Hebrews 10:13 — “And since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is talking about what Jesus is doing now. After He offered Himself as the final sacrifice for sin and sat down at God’s right hand (as we saw in verse 12), He entered a time of waiting. He’s not pacing or worrying—He’s seated in a position of victory. He has already won through the cross and resurrection, but there’s still a future moment when all His enemies will be fully and finally defeated.
The picture here comes from the ancient practice of a conquering king placing his foot on the neck of his enemies as a sign of total victory. This verse says that Jesus is waiting for that full victory to unfold—not because it’s uncertain, but because the time has not yet come. The outcome is already decided.
Right now, Jesus reigns, and the final piece—God making all His enemies His “footstool”—is just a matter of time.
Historical Context
The phrase about enemies being made a “footstool” comes from Psalm 110:1, a messianic psalm often quoted in the New Testament. In the ancient world, the image of putting your feet on your enemies was a common sign of complete dominance. Kings did this to show they had absolute authority over their foes.
In the early church, believers were facing opposition, persecution, and discouragement. It may have looked like evil was winning. But this verse reminded them that Jesus was not losing—He was reigning. Even though the final victory hadn’t fully played out yet, it was guaranteed.
This helped early Christians hold on to hope in hard times, knowing that Jesus was in control and would ultimately make all things right.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that Jesus‘ victory is both already and not yet. He already won at the cross, but there’s a future moment when everything will be put under His feet—every enemy, every evil, every force that opposes God.
It also shows that Jesus is not anxiously waiting—He’s seated. He’s resting in His finished work, and the final chapter is sure to come. This gives us a theology of confidence. Evil does not have the last word. Jesus does.
Finally, this verse points us to the promise of God’s justice. He will not let sin, Satan, or death stand forever. A day is coming when all will be made right.
Literary Analysis
This verse is short and simple but deeply connected to the previous verse. Verse 12 talks about Jesus sitting down after His once-for-all sacrifice. Verse 13 tells us what He’s doing while seated: waiting for His enemies to be made His footstool.
The verb “waits” doesn’t suggest uncertainty—it suggests patience. The image of a “footstool” adds finality and power. The author of Hebrews is carefully drawing from Psalm 110 to reinforce Jesus’ role as King and High Priest.
This verse also continues the flow of contrast in chapter 10—between the old, repeated sacrifices and the new, final reign of Christ.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 110:1 – “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’”
- 1 Corinthians 15:25 – “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.”
- Philippians 2:9-11 – “God exalted him… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”
- Romans 16:20 – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
- Revelation 19:11-16 – Jesus returns as the conquering King to bring final judgment and victory.
These verses show that Jesus’ victory is guaranteed and that full justice is coming.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse gives us peace in the middle of a broken world. We don’t have to wonder who’s in charge. Jesus is already seated in victory, and nothing can change that. Even when evil seems strong, it is only a matter of time before Jesus brings everything under His authority.
For today’s believer, this means we can live with confidence and hope. We’re not waiting to see if Jesus wins—we’re waiting to see the victory fully play out. That’s a big difference. It means we can endure hardship, fight sin, and face trouble with courage, knowing Jesus has already secured the end of the story.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God doesn’t ignore evil. He sees it. He has already acted against it through Jesus, and He will finish the job in time. His patience isn’t weakness—it’s mercy. He’s giving people time to turn to Him before the final judgment comes.
This verse shows us that God’s love includes justice. He cares enough to deal with what is wrong. And He’s already begun that work through Jesus. His love means that evil will not win. His love ensures that His Son will be honored, and His people will be protected.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is entirely about Jesus. He is the one who offered the perfect sacrifice, sat down in victory, and now waits for His enemies to be completely brought under His rule. He is the fulfillment of Psalm 110—the conquering King and eternal Priest.
- Ephesians 1:20-22 – “God raised him from the dead and seated him… far above all rule and authority.”
- Hebrews 1:13 – “To which of the angels did God ever say, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?”
- Colossians 2:15 – “He disarmed the powers and authorities… triumphing over them by the cross.”
Jesus has won. He reigns now. And the day is coming when every enemy will be visibly, finally, and fully under His feet.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is waiting for His enemies to be made His footstool?
- How can this verse encourage you when the world feels chaotic or dark?
- Are there areas in your life where you need to rest in Jesus’ victory instead of striving in fear?
- How does knowing Jesus is seated in power shape the way you pray and live?
- What role does patience play in your faith, as you wait for Jesus’ full victory to be revealed?